Wardrobe Essentials: Casual Look

Okay, men, here’s the deal; I am not trying to dress you, force ridiculous clothes upon you or change anything in your appearance, even though I am a women and that is “what we do”.

I am just trying to make you see that with the next essentials, you will have a great wardrobe no matter what. And your wife, girlfriend, boyfriend, friends or mother, cannot ever say that you have terrible taste or do not know how to dress. Because you have your essentials and they will always be in style.

Button down shirt

Preferably in white and black (and a colour that suits you best). These shirts will suit any mood, are a nice way to dress in any situation and you can wear the same shirt from work to drinks and after drinks. Sleeves down or even up (not at work!) with this shirt you can’t go wrong.

Plain t-shirt, quality shirt

We all know men have loads of t-shirts you wear under a button down, jacket, sweater or on old raggedy pants. But by plain shirt I mean a basic shirt that might be a little more expensive because the fitting and quality need to be right. Those t-shirts can, indeed, be worn under a button down, etc. etc. but when it comes to “just wearing a t-shirt” or wearing it under a nice jacket, it does need to fit properly. Look clean and crisp and put-together. White, black, choose your colour.

Cardigan (shawl collar cardigan)

Yes, you need a cardigan. A cardigan always works, is versatile and you can layer it over almost any shirt.

Same goes for the crew neck sweater. Some of you might not even know what a crew neck sweater is until you see an example and then you know you love this item. A V-necksweater (cashmere) and you have completed this wonderful section. Either one will do as well.

Sport jacket

More casual and a slightly looser fit than a blazer but you can wear it anytime, anywhere. Easy-going. You can wear layered clothing underneath (perfect for spring or fall) and enough pockets to hold your things with you. Useful, practical and sets you apart. A tailored jacket is, of course, the best option, but any well fitted sport jacket will do. Preferably in a darker colour unless you are planning on wearing different ones, than add any colour to your additional wardrobe.

Basic solid Indigo jeans

(Slight) Slim fitted in a solid blue colour. Forget all the trendy designer jeans, washed details etc. Those are NOT your essentials but ‘additional to’. Every men needs a pair of nice jeans. Tailored slim fit, dark blue ones are the best option and you will wear it every day. Casual or a little more formal, your favourite jeans will do the trick and they are comfortable as well.

Slim fitted chino’s

Most European men do not wear that much khaki (Americans do, and in the US it is a basic) but it is a nice colour to start with. You could also choose a dark navy. It feels like you are wearing your jeans; that is how comfortable they are, but then a little more dressed-up.

Trendy sneakers

Try a sneaker in a solid colour. As comfortable as any but a little more dressed-up. A Canvas sneaker as the Chuck Taylors All Star is always a winner but any other will do as well.

Desert boots

Ankle length boots with two or three pair eyelets for lacing. They actually look a little dressy but still casual and do the trick when the weather is not that good.